The Blythe Sojourn (1998 - 2000)

As practising Seventh-Day Adventists, and total vegetarians as well, life in Blythe is somewhat different to that of Marsha's home in Canada. Here, there is a complete absence of meat of any kind which includes beef, chicken, fish, pork etc. Eggs and cows milk are not used, but analogues are substituted, such as flavoured gluten from flour, a chicken substitute made from soy and cleverly prepared to look like and taste like chicken meat -called "Wham", also produced from soy, and pleasantly flavoured There are also several varieties to represent and replace meat and fish spreads, and a milk-like product is made to replace cows' milk
Great emphasis is placed on the use of fruit, vegetables and all natural products, and even the timing of meals is somewhat different; larger meals being preferred as the first meal, and smaller ones in the late evening. In view of the recent furore about "Mad Cow Disease", there is a great deal of regard about the food one eats, and a lot of people are now looking at their food intake much more seriously.
It does, however, take some adjusting to, but there is no doubt that the benefits derived from a vegetarian diet could be very helpful.
Life in Blythe is rather quiet. It is a new area of California in which Gordon and Arna are now living, and as a result, there are just a few friends. ' The area is a new one, and the houses are all newly built. The town was originally an agricultural one, in this low desert area, but with a large prison now erected here, most of the residents are in some way connected with it. By virtue of being low desert, the daytime temperature rises to around 100-120 in the summer, and during the winter, it stays at about 70°F, which makes it a pleasant place to spend the fall, winter and early spring.
I spent a few days here, just a couple of years ago, and I could see the vast improvement which has taken place in just a short time. There are all the regular amenities of a town, with lots of churches, government buildings, public library, supermarket etc., and the streets are nice and wide with proper paved sidewalks.
The main activities of this city are due to the fact that the prison is situated here. There are several thousands of inmates, and apart from what little agriculture there is, everything just revolves around the prison. There is not a great deal of social life, and an extrovert like me could be quite bored. And so I returned to Canada on May 3rd 1998.
On my return to Brandon, I quickly realized I would have to reconstruct a completely new lifestyle. So I joined the Brandon Y.M.C.A. and the nearby Riverview Club. At the ivy,, I recommenced swimming, which I am hoping will help my hip which, for well over a year now has been quite painful. Gordon suggests using the back stroke will be of great benefit to the condition. I combine it with an excellent steam room and "Whirlpool" bath. At the Riverview Club, I do "Floor Shuffle Board" which is a rather mild form of light exercise. I certainly have no intention of ending my life rusting out in a swivel recliner chair, watching T.V.
My latest 'project' is to pre-pay my funeral expenses, and I have already had an interview with the local funeral director concerning this.
During October 1998, a one week's visit was planned with Maureen and Paul from the U.K. to visit Ritchie and family in Edmonton, Alberta.
The bottom flat of 1759, 9th Street was nicely remodelled and looks real good, providing excellent accommodation for both Maureen and Paul in two separate rooms.  Maureen and I traveled by air - (one-way only for Maureen) while Paul, Aubrey and Marsha drove up to Edmonton by van. I however, did the entire trip by plane. While in Alberta we had Agnes' daughter, Ellen over to our hotel and spent a good three hours or so with her.
Paul was a little indisposed and had to be treated, before returning to the U.K.  We enjoyed a reasonable 4-5 days during our stay there and I took the entire family to a good oriental restaurant, chatted over the phone with Ed Jarvis, who had recently lost Jackie his wife, and I condoled with him.
This year, 1998, we had a long fall season. No snow appeared until some time in November, and temperatures were quite pleasant.
As I record this, it is now January 1999, and the temperature goes as low as -30°C. There are intermittent snowfalls, and one has to keep the driveway clear for obvious reasons. I seldom spend the winters here in Brandon, and so I am doing my best to adjust. However, I may yet go to Gordon in California before too long.

During this period, just after I got back from our trip to Saskatoon, Gordon seemed anxious to have me once more at his house in Blythe Ca. As I already had one more return trip available on my Senior coupon with NorthWest Airlines, I decided to make use of it before it expired in March 1999. So, once more, I set fly to Blythe Ca. on January 27the 1999. Marsha induced Aubrey to take a week's leave from his job and go along with me. Yet another late winter visit to Gordon and Arna. This is probably the last time I will visit this area, since Gordon has now been promoted to oversee the Susanville Correctional Institution as C.M.O. (chief medical officer) and is now at the top position there. You may recall that he once worked there.
As a result, he and Arna will be moving home again in a short time, and are about to sell their property in Blythe. Since arriving here with Aubrey, Arna is still employed by the local hospital as a nurse in the obstetrics department. She works 2-3 days a week, and is on call as well.
When Aubrey and I arrived in California, we landed at the ultra modern Ontario Airport, and the weather was just delightful. The surrounding mountains were glistening with snow at the top, with the sun shining on them. A truly picturesque sight!! Arna met us at the airport, and joining a shuttle service we drove through beautiful Palm Springs to a point where Arna's sister Zeta met us, following which we proceeded on the 2-3 hour drive to Blythe, with Aubrey taking over the driving. We stopped at Lisa's home and enjoyed an excellent supper there (all vegetarian). With Gordon arranging to set up his house and work-place in Susanville, and Arna at her job at the hospital in Blythe, it was arranged to use Arna's car, after Aubrey had taken her to the hospital. So, on the day following our arrival, we did some shopping at "Albertson", the only supermarket in town.
As Aubrey was spending just one week with us, it was decided to make a pleasure trip to see the London Bridge at Lake Havasu in the state of Arizona. It was a three-hour ride by car and Aubrey drove all the way and back. Here is a short description of the London Bridge at Lake Havasu in the State of Arizona.
In 1963, Robert McCullock (Snr.) bought the original London Bridge, which was built in 1831. As the bridge began to sink into the river Thames over which it was built, it was dismantled stone by stone, and brought over to Lake Havasu from London England and re-constructed over a man-made inlet on the Colorado river, and is now a major sight-seeing attraction there. Narrated tours are offered aboard various types of watercraft like houseboats, canoes, pontoon boats and sailboats, and the entire build-up around and under the bridge is very strongly reminiscent of a typical London England scene.
The entire area is very scenic and there is no lack of facilities for enjoyment.  On the return drive, we were stopped by a highway patrol car and charged for speeding! However, the tour was greatly appreciated by us all, and we captured quite a few photographs.
The day after our return from our tour of the London Bridge we all visited the Seventh Day Adventist Church with Arna. This was Saturday, January 3e - this branch of the family being 7th Day Adventists -after which we lunched at Lisa's place, their home being just around the corner from Gordon's house. With Aubrey's return to Canada booked for the 3rd of February 1999, we did some shopping around Blythe, Aubrey filling in some spare time with cooking supper for all, which we certainly enjoyed.  Early on Wednesday morning, we left for the airport in Ontario, Calif. and saw Aubrey safely to his place for Brandon.
Following that, life for me in Blythe became somewhat slower, with Arna working at the hospital some of the time. Up to this point, I had not seen Gordon, but he did call most nights, saying how he was progressing with setting up his work in Susanville and arranging to move back to the Yankee Hill house. I made do with taking long walks and keeping the yard tidy.
Gordon's property on Yankee Hill was rented to a family mainly to take care of it, and the well established orchard there, much of which Arna is responsible for creating. Now that they are returning back to be nearer to Gordon's new work-place in Susanville, this property of his is not too far away, and they plan to make it their home once again. The tenants have already moved out, and the home on Yankee Hill is now in the process of renovation (carpets and paint etc.) and the move should be a "fait accompli" in a short while. Surprisingly, the weather in Blythe is cooler than I expected but it has been explained to me that being a desert, with no trees, just sand and scrub growth, after it heats up during the day, the temperature just evaporates at night, sincere there is nothing to hold it in. Quite a contrast to life in Brandon, Canada.
Saturday February 13th 1999. Once again I attend the Seventh Day Adventist Church. The service and hymns are all in Spanish, with an English translation of the sermon after every sentence or so, which somehow tends to confuse me, and causes a break in fully understanding what is being said. With just a limited knowledge of Spanish. I find it difficult to follow. Today. at the service. I met Julio Robinson, one of Arna's nephews who, about forty years ago, Emma and I baby-sat when we first visited California. He is now a married man, with a couple of children.
On Sunday 14th February, Arna, who is an ardent bird-watcher (called a birder), took me to the Salton Sea International Bird Festival in the Imperial Valley, California. Several shows were put on, such as how to distinguish birds by colour, shape, etc. Lots of pictures were displayed on a screen and various peculiar features of each type of bird were pointed out. Following this, a lady bird and animal trainer came on and she showed how with proper care and patience, a small parrot could be trained to push objects off the table, and even play basketball. She had a macaw trained to fly to the outstretched fingers of various members of the audience. There was also a monkey, displaying several tricks. Later on a huge bird, a South American vulture was brought on and several flights were performed by it. Finally, an albino boa constrictor was exhibited, white in colour with cream spots. It was about three years old and weighed about sixty pounds and was roughly fifteen feet in length. The trainer had it wrapped twice around her waist with four to five feet left over.
At this point we took a lunch break and then resumed to a one to two hour symposium, which featured photographs of birds in Morocco, north West Africa. Some of the speakers were associated with the Cornel University. Arna certainly enjoyed these shows.
A dull period followed this, in which I made arrangements to return to Canada on March 15th 1999. will Gordon will be coming back to Blythe on the last day of February 1999. At least, I'll be able to see him for a couple of weeks before leaving. Actually, he returned to Blythe from Susanville on the 27h February, one day earlier, and we were glad to have him back.
During that dull period aforementioned, following the bird show, I enjoyed two separate outings with friends, neighbours of Gordon and Arna. The first was a supper date with Dr Mohamed Olavi, a colleague of Gordon, who invited me to a home-cooked meal, comprising an exotic salad, saffron flavoured rice done up with select pieces of beef and a variety of fruits. He is Iranian, and is a qualified and boarded surgeon as well. He returns to Iran occasionally but enjoys working in California. At the moment, he is unattached and he prepared the meal all by himself. I need hardly tell you how much I enjoyed that evening.
The other outing was from our next door neighbours Christopher and Juana, both of whom invited me to what I believe is the nicest eating place in Blythe - "The Sizzler". We had chicken and all the usual accessories, but the tone of the place was very impressive. There were lots of "Snow Birds" in attendance as well.
Christopher was originally from British Honduras, while his wife Juana is of Mexican or Spanish origin. She is a housewife with three children, one of whom - an eighteen-year-old boy is now in the Marines. The other two kids are at school.
The Blythe house has not yet been sold, but several people have looked at it. Gordon traded his Honda for a new Toyota type enclosed 4-runner vehicle. It is certainly more practical for long country runs and climbing hilly terrain. He will be here in Blythe for at least one to three weeks.
We plan to go to Loma Linda University from March 8th to 10th for Gordon's ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support). I will go along with him and hope to visit the Pharmacy section where I spent the last six-seven years of my working life. Arna will also be attending her continuation classes in nursing about the same time.
In talking to Marsha and Maureen over the telephone. there is a plan for the three of us to be together in England some time in April - May this year (1999). It will probably be my last visit to the Old Country.
All set now to take my leave of Blythe. Gordon and I plan to set off for Palm Springs on Sunday 14th March 1999, where we are invited to stop over for a fruit lunch at the home of Dr Alavi's lady friend. en route to a motel in Ontario (Ca.). Here we will overnight so as to catch the 8.05 a.m. plane for my return trip to Canada.
The timing of my visit was good. The weather in Blythe is now beginning to change from a very pleasant winter (60° F. average). It is now beginning to warm up when it finally reaches 120°-140° F.
Just about right for a winter 'stop-over'. I made the journey quite easily from Ontario Airport (Ca.) to Minneapolis where I had to wait a bit. then on to Winnipeg. Aubrey and Marsha were waiting for me and on the way home to Brandon; we had a real nice supper at the "Key". Back to my old quarters at home in 1759 9th Street. I feel so greatly relaxed.
Wednesday 12th May we were taken to see Oklahoma! at the Lyceum Theatre. The area in which the Lyceum is situated is quite a maze and after quite a little effort, we finally made it, just about 5-10 minutes late.
This theatre is built in a series of about one dozen winding staircases, and it certainly reminded me of the trip I made to Radio City Music Hall two years ago. The decor in the theatre was spectacular and the performance very good. It lasted about 21/2 hours. What a fitting climax to Marsha's holiday in Britain and we all thoroughly enjoyed it.
And so it comes to May 13th and we regretfully see Marsha off this morning, on her way back to Canada and her house.
On Sunday 16th May, Gordon called from Yankee Hill Ca., where he spends weekends from his work in Susanville. Arna has not yet left Blythe. He said the home was all ready and waiting for full occupation. He wanted to know when I was coming. Having told him of my sinus problem, he suggested frequent hot compresses, so I am trying that.
Monday 17th May, Maureen and I visit the doctor (Dr Straikh) an Indian. After examining Maureen who had a swelling on her neck, I complimented him on the way he talked to her and examined her. I mentioned how he reminded me of the way Gordon handles and talks to his patients. He appeared to be flattered by my observation then offered to look at my sinus situation. He prescribed a nose drops made of 0.5% Ephedrine and did not charge. The pharmacy which supplied the drops did not charge either. This is really the first time I have had a sinus complaint and it really bothers me.
At Maureen's home (115 Eastcote Avenue) I do my best to help in tidying up the garden and hedge in front etc. I also bake a little bread and make some granola. During the following week we do some shopping etc., and I make valiant attempts to cut the front and back lawns with a "weed-cater", since the regular mower has some fault and would not work. It is later found to have a broken belt, which is replaced.
During the week, the covers for the living room furniture arrived and the fitter made a good job of it. The final touches are now all in place and the home is now at the very best it has ever been in all of its many, many years.
During my last few days in Britain, it is arranged that Paul would take us driving into Kew Gardens where we spent the greater part of the afternoon. What a wonderful selection of plants from every part of the world, and so delightfully displayed. Small wonder this garden is without question the very finest in the entire world. We took a series of photographs. Before I flew back to Canada the following Thursday, we had quite a few visitors who came to say goodbye.
On this occasion, I did not find it possible to visit my best friends, Sonny and Joyce Barrow, who live in Lincoln, and are about two hours away by fast train. Joyce was somewhat unwell, and I was not in top condition either. This friendship went all the way back to our teenage years, and has lasted ever since We are both nonagenarians.
The flight back to Winnipeg via Toronto was uneventful and reasonably comfortable. I enjoyed complete Hospitality Service and was wheeled all around the huge Heathrow Airport, as well as at the Toronto Airport. The service was good, and I think it is an encouragement for seniors to travel more.  The food also was good, and both 'take-offs' and 'touch downs' were smooth. Marsha and Mary Carr were at the Winnipeg Airport waiting for me in the new Chevy van they just acquired for the business. My sinus condition still persists, so I go to visit my doctor in Brandon. He is such a cheerful fellow, and enjoyed my description of "Elveden Forest", Center Parcs. He told me that the managing director of these parks is a good friend of his. My doctor is a Scot by birth. He prescribed a new preparation "Nasonex"", and it is simply wonderful. Sinus almost gone.
It took quite a couple of weeks to overcome 'jet-lag', especially since there were two adjustments in just one month.
Returning to my old Canadian haunts I re-joined the floor Shuffleboard Club, playing every Tuesday and Thursday for a couple of hours each time.
I didn't lose any time putting the garden and lawns into shape, and with the help of our neighbours, this was quickly done. I put in potatoes, onions, carrots and tomatoes right away, and we went overboard a bit and put in some expensive perennials like 'dogwood' etc. in the front strip around the house. Already the kitchen garden is coming alive, potatoes, onions and tomatoes all alive and looking healthy. During this summer (1999) I keep busy with trimming the fruit trees mowing the very extensive lawns (both front and back) and at the moment I am painting the entire front fence along Balmoral Bay as well as along the rather large driveway.
Keeping active is certainly helping me to stay fit and enjoy what is left of life for a 93-year-old!
During the fall of 1999, I made plans to go to the Moose Jaw Mineral Springs and Hotel for a 4-day tour, but the trip did not materialize. The travel company, Fehr Way Tours cancelled the trip as they did not have a sufficient quota to warrant having it. I had planned to take Marsha along, as we were both disappointed.
The decorative trees on our front lawn have grown quite tall and spreading much, that the leaves, which are now falling (of a golden brown colour), are now just cluttering up the front entrance. Will wait a while before trying to collect them.
October 26th 1999. Arranged to travel to Gordon in Yankee Hill on November 7th and will travel on the usual Senior Coupon ticket, allowing me two return trips within the space of one year. Last Sunday afternoon on October 24h, I took Aubrey, Marsha and Dori to the Fall Festival Supper Dance at the Canadian Veteran's Hall and we really enjoyed it.
November 7th 1999. All set to travel this morning for Yankee hill via Minneapolis. Was met at Sacramento Airport by Gordon and Arna, who arrived about half an hour late, just before I was beginning to telephone. I settled in as much as possible, and although the house was not yet completed (a good lot of the packages were still in the garage unopened). There was a lot of cut wood piled up in the yard in preparation for the Y2K experience.
Gordon works in Susanville Ca. and is now at the top level in the medical section. He travels the two-hour car ride every weekend, and both he and Arna are making an effort to re-establish a permanent home in Yankee Hill, while they lived in Blythe. The home here was tenanted and now that they have returned, there is quite a bit of work to do to bring the home and the big orchard back to normal.
As Seventh Day Adventists, they attend the local church here and of course, I just pop along. The nice little apartment which Emma and I occupied when we lived here in 1984 is now loaded with surplus furniture, but is still a very usable place for a couple. It is fitted with every convenience. I renewed my acquaintance with the two nearby neighbours who still live here, and they seemed to still enjoy me. From the large glass sliding door which goes out to the back porch, it is possible to see the area, near to Lake Oroville where Emma's cremated ashes lie. We had both decided on cremation and I have already made arrangements to have my ashes placed in the Brandon Cemetery when I pass away. I made every effort to arrange for my ashes, when I die, to be strewn along with Emma's on the bank of Lake Oroville, but the authorities notified me that it was recently decided not to permit this, since houses were now being built in this area.
On December 1st 1999, Arna and I went visiting the Senior citizens Club in Paradise as well as the Performing Arts Auditorium, and on the way we paid a visit to the Knibbs, old friends of ours.
On the way back home, it seemed that I felt a bit faint, and Arna, who was driving, said she that I became pale. She tried to find my pulse, but said it was absent. She then drove us straight to the emergency department of the feather River Hospital, and there I was examined and recommended to remain at least for the night for examination, etc. After lots of tests such as heart monitoring, electrocardiogram, blood pressure, I was advised, with Gordon's consent (who we called by telephone) to stay overnight since my hemoglobin was quite low.
I was put in a room with a man who was fat (357 pounds) and Doctor Mansell, a good friend of both Gordon and myself, was to take care of me. He is a specialist and gastroenterologist, and was indeed very friendly indeed, bringing me a flowering Azalea plant for my room. I was also removed to a single room, complete with shower and television. The following day, he took care of my stomach, inserting a flexible tube through my mouth into the stomach complete with a tiny camera at the tip, and photographed the site. It disclosed a bleeding ulcer on my duodenum, and he proceeded to take care of it.
The beauty of the technique was that during the procedure, there was no pain or even discomfort, having taken care of this through an intravenous drip in the arm. There was just a slight roughness in the throat where the tube passed into the affected area. Following this disclosure, I was advised by Dr Mansell that since I was now in hospital it would be wise to have my colon examined, as an upset stomach could really cause infection of the colon, where much of the body's debris is found. So, on Friday evening I was taken back to the surgical. room and again, there was no discomfort during the surgery. Again, pictures were taken and what was disclosed required a bit of trimming.
On the following day, I was discharged and I must say that the treatment at the hospital was particularly good. Many year's ago, (about 20 years) I had occasion to spend a day or two at this hospital, and I must say there is a vast difference in the very modern technique and care of this institution. I was discharged on Saturday 3rd December 1999, and Gordon who collected me, drove straight to the church before going on home. We even had a lunch after the service, prepared in the annex of the church.
At this point, I must recall that my wife's memorial service was held in this very building, after she had passed away in 1984.
Today is December 7th 1999 and Marsha called. It is their wedding anniversary and tomorrow is Aubrey's birthday. I tried to get through by telephone but the lines were all busy. However, later that night Marsha called and we were able to have a little chat. She said they were both off duty and were going out to have a little celebration.
On the following day, Maureen called and we too, had a little chat. During our conversation, my voice just disappeared and I had to conclude the conversation in tears. It was the first time I have shed tears for a long time and I was quite upset with myself.
At the hospital, I was treated with very powerful drugs and these have affected my brain a great deal.
As an example, I would begin to speak, then all of a sudden, would be unable to complete the words to end the sentence. A sort of "intermittent confusion" due to powerful antibiotics. As a result, both Gordon and the surgeon who attended me, stopped the treatment of the antibiotic drugs. It is taking some time to resume my slurred speech. Having stopped all medications for a few days, I have now regained the ability to speak normally. At this point Dr Mansell gave me a different type of medication called "Zantac", and this seems to be helping somewhat.
I now include, as a separate chapter, a copy of the various procedures done at the hospital to take care of my ulcerated stomach, and also of the work done on my colon. It would seem that the news of my illness got around quickly, and I received messages of comfort from Marsha, Maureen, Joan and Mark in Santa Barbara, and Michael in St Lucia.
It is quite obvious that I will have to spend some time in California, as it is now the heavy winter season in Canada. Perhaps it is just as well that I became ill while in California, as I may have had to wait a while for surgery if I was still in Canada.
I was indeed very fortunate in having Dr Mansell, who is not only a very popular Gastro-enterologist, but also a colleague of Gordon, my son, and a good friend of our family as well.
Following a visit to Dr Mansell's office, I was told to have a blood test at the lab, since my haemoglobin was too low. It did show an improvement, but we are trying to increase it still further. Am still awaiting the bill for hospital services etc. I am afraid it will be quite a large one. But we will soon find out. Today is Wednesday 22nd December 1999 and Christmas is just three days off. Had a long chat with Maureen yesterday, and she is just fine.
Gordon came home from his workplace in Susanville and spent the next few days with us here in Yankee Hill. It was a quiet affair, and it is suggested that next week, which involves the year end, and the apprehension that Y2K (the much discussed Millennium) is causing, and he has to be on duty throughout the night of December 31st as a precautionary move; to be on hand in case of emergencies that we (Arna and I) stay over at his two-bedroom apartment and spend the weekend with him. So we packed up and did just that.
While in Susanville, I had the privilege of being allowed to go through the prison, past the electrified gates and all the security needed to avoid prisoners escaping. It was quite cold going from one enclosure to another, for as you know, Susanville is somewhere in the region of 4-5 thousand feet above sea level. It was quite amazing how much protection there was to prevent escapees. I spent several hours with Gordon and his group of senior officials who were at "stand-by" in case of an emergency, and a possible riot over the Y2K situation. But fortunately, nothing happened. It was,
however, to avoid any such possibility in case there was a 'glitch' over the change over to the year 2000. Fortunately, there was lots and lots of food and drink to take care of the long waiting. After hanging around for quite a few hours, Gordon took me home, though he returned to be on call (if necessary) and did not get home to bed until about three o'clock in the morning.
For following day, Saturday 1st January 2000 was also the Adventists Sabbath, so I accompanied Gordon to church, and we afterwards bad the midday meal at Elvis's (Robinson) place, where a lot of other church members accumulated. On the following day, Sunday, Gordon drove Arna and myself back home to Yankee Hill, returning the same afternoon to his workplace in Susanville. The drive each way takes two hours.
Back on Yankee Hill after the brief spell at Susanville, Arna and I pitched into clearing up the house and finding places for articles still stored in the double garage. We certainly tidied up Gordon's office, made space for his computer and other accessories to be removed into it. Having done this, we then proceeded to fit up a guest bedroom, especially since Mark, Barbara and Aidan will be spending a short time with us here. We did a reasonable job on this, and left the computer etc. for Gordon to move over to his office when he comes down next weekend.
There area number of pine trees, towering above the house and in very close proximity to the building. which shed pine needles and dry leaves in the fall and early winter. This provides a grave hazard to the home especially during the summer months. For the third time during the last year, Gordon has had to climb onto the roof, clear the leaves and needles away and unblock the draining gutters of the accumulated stuff. This is a rather risky operation, as one has to get quite close to the edge to do this and for people of advanced years, like Gordon, this is certainly not recommended. I mentioned this to both Arna and Gordon and suggested that the pine trees be either cut down or severely trimmed to be away from the house which will obviate the need to clean the roof of leaves etc.
Apart from the danger involved, there is also the fire hazard. Frequent forest fires are started by lightning, and in a thickly wooded area like this a lot of damage is possible. Pine needles and leaves are excellent fire material; the fire brigade refuses to handle situations where homes are built too near to combustible trees. Arna, however, is a great tree-lover, and refuses to consider removing or even severely trimming the trees adjoining the house. We had quite a discussion about this.
For the first time since I arrived in California rain fell with rather strong winds. This is as wintry as it gets in this part of the state so we are kept indoors, cleaning and tidying up in preparation for Mark, Barbara and Aidan's arrival in a couple of days for a short visit.
They arrived promptly on Saturday afternoon. It was good to see how well they were. Aidan, at just one year old was as ambulatory as ever and was truly a very charming little fellow. Mark and family drove in from the Sacramento Airport in a hired car which they kept for the duration of the stay here.  We had a nicely furnished room set up for the trio.
Gordon was down for the weekend so it all fitted in well, as the following Monday was a holiday, Martin Luther King's birthday.
I am still awaiting the hospital bill; only little bits and pieces of it have come in, but not the major one.. It scares me! I must admit, however, that it was indeed fortunate for me to have Dr Mansell as my doctor. He is not only an expert in his field, but also a very kind person. He even brought me a flowering Azalea plant to brighten up my room, and also provided me with ample supplies of the medications (as samples) that I would normally have had to purchase. On a previous visit to California I almost had a game of golf with him but I guess he was too busy, as it never took place.
Apart from the excellent service provided by the doctor, the hospital also gave me "Medication Education Sheets" which gave suggestions regarding: 'How to take' (medications); 'Missed doses'; 'Side effects, etc. and 'Precautions' with respect to 'side effects'. After a couple of days I noticed that there was a difficulty in speaking. I found it impossible to say words, and it really bothered me.
Reporting this to both Dr Mansell and my son Gordon, I was advised to stop the medication. It was apparently too powerful and the temporary lack of speech no longer existed. Another of the tablets, Zantac, seemed to induce "Tackycardia", which is a rapid heart beat. So this too was reduced to a much smaller dose per day.
As I record this, it is about a full month since I left the hospital, and I seem to be mending rather well. I take regular walks in the early mornings using the rather hilly terrain on Yankee Hill and doing my normal daily calisthenics. The absence of meat, fish, etc. from the diet here seems to be of some benefit to me and the vegetarian diet is certainly helping me to keep in shape. A great deal of fruit is eaten - what a pity this is not easily attainable in Canada.
On Friday 11th February, Gordie my grandson arrived for the weekend to spend it with us here in Yankee Hill. He now works in Seattle, Washington and we were all happy to see him. He has written a book "Tao of Time" and hopes to have it published soon. While here with us this weekend, he will give a 'talk' on matters biblical, and it should all tie in with his proposed publication. We propose holding his talk at the home of Gladys Mansell in Paradise before he returns to his workplace in Seattle, in the State of Washington. He looks remarkably well.
Today also, Michael called us from St Lucia and we were so glad to hear from him. He is still travelling from island to island - Trinidad, Barbados, Dominique etc. in pursuit of his present job of selecting possible students for higher education, but in June of this year he has an appointment in Virginia to do lecture tours which, he says, will last for about one year.
Joan too called us from Santa Barbara where she is with her son Mark and Barbara and their little son. She will spend about one month there after which she goes over to Cathy, her daughter, in England. From their conversation with me, it is very obvious that they are still very much in love with each other.
In the course of my stay in California during the winter I was introduced to a widow, Adele Bryson, who is a friend of Gordon and Arna. She lives a good deal further along the wooded area of Concow, which is further along from Yankee Hill. After several visits to Gordon's home, she became quite friendly and I offered to take her to supper one evening at the 'Home Style Buffet'. Three times married, she proved to be quite interesting. I am sure she will be a really good friend.
Tuesday 23 February 2000 was quite an unusual day here in Yankee Hill California. In the first place, Arna had gone to Blythe on a weekend visit to see her mother who is ill and just Gordon and I were at home. A violent rainstorm blew in and just by chance, Gordon had to return to work early that morning. As explained, his workplace entails a two-hour drive along a mountainous highway all the way to Susanville, and the rain continued incessantly.
At about 9.00 am, without any warning, the lights went out and all the electrical appliances, freezer, refrigerator, cooking stove, microwave, washing machine and drier etc. In addition, the telephone also died. As a result, all alone, I was left almost incommunicado. Alone in a large house, I waited a full fifteen minutes before deciding on my next step. Then I decided to check on my two sole neighbours, a good couple of hundred yards away. I drew a blank from the one neighbour, but the other one, a couple of hundred yards further away helped me a bit with their telephone, which was working and was not connected to the electrical system.
In contacting these two neighbours, I had to dress up so as to weather the storm outside and got really wet feet. It would appear that the storm had damaged the connection to our district and the telephone people were doing their best on repair work.
By the time I got back home, the water supply had also stopped, so here was I in a large house, all alone, with no electricity, water or telephone access to the rest of the world and in an isolated area, quite far from any town. Fortunately, there is a wood-burning stove in the living room, and this I kept at full blast, feeding it fresh logs from time to time.
As you know, this home has it's own well-water supply, but the pump that furnishes the property is electrically operated. Hence the fact that our supply was cut off However, there was enough distilled water in bottles in the house so there was no problem, but I did collect some stored washing water from a reservoir, which was kept in the basement.
Some time during the midday, I heard a slight tinkle coming from the master bedroom and following the sound, I noticed a tiny telephone in this room. Apparently, it was one I had no knowledge of It was fortunately in working order, so at last I was able to contact both Arna in Blythe, and Gordon in Susanville - was I relieved? But the rainstorm continued to rage along and I learned from Arna that she should be back that same night at about 11.00 pm. Gordon was helpful in suggesting that I do not worry too much, to depend on the flashlights we had, rather than consider using kerosene lamps, which were also available.
The neighbours, (the Middletons) were very kind in coming over and suggesting to take me to have a meal at one of the restaurants, but I declined, thanking them for their offer. Towards 3.30 - 4.00 pm it darkened quite a bit as the skies were overcast and still raining, when to my surprise and joy, the lights came on almost at 4.00 pm on this day. I heard the phone ring, and I recognized that whatever damage had occurred had been taken care of. The call came from Maureen and did she cheer me up!
After finding the telephone in the master bedroom, a call came through from someone I had met many years ago, and, when she heard of my situation, she offered to "rescue" me and take me to her home in Paradise until the situation became normal. I assured her that I was not scared but would survive quite easily. Later that evening, this 'Good Samaritan' drove her car, accompanied by her son, all the 20 miles from her home in Paradise to bring me a supper, consisting of hot soup, a green salad, some fruit, and a large bottle of Cranapple drink. Although I only knew her slightly from many years ago, this is the kind of friend one delights in having. How can anyone forget such a wonderful performance as Gloria Pablovitch's?
Several hours later, Arna came home through the wind and rain, driving her truck all the way from Sacramento to Yankee Hill. By that time, conditions were back to normal and we resumed a more ordinary life.

Short Trips to England (1997)

Over in the U.K., about this time, Ron, Maureen's husband, developed a condition of lung cancer, and coupled with diabetes, became seriously ill. He had to be admitted to Northwick Park Hospital in Harrow and after radiotherapy, became worse and needed constant attention. He had to be taken to Meadow House Hospice, a cancer unit in Ealing specially reserved for terminal cases. He passed away on 11th September 1997.

During his serious periods of illness, Marsha travelled over to England to help her sister in taking care of him. She made two trips over to the UK and spent about one month in all, helping Maureen to cope with a truly sad situation.

With Ron's passing, Maureen is making a serious effort to so adjust her life and that of her son Paul, to comfortably fit in to a new lifestyle. I am quite pleased with the way she now views everything. She is making a great effort to update her house and has already established central heating and is also arranging to modernize her bathroom and kitchen. Also, she is taking driving lessons and will soon be able to be mobile in her own car.

There was yet another sad occurrence back in Brandon, Manitoba, when, also in September of 1997, a dear friend, Agnes Parker passed away. She and I had travelled quite a bit, going to her own
scattered family all over Canada, and visiting mine in England and California during our twelve year friendship.

A Weekend in Wales (1996)

Following our four happy days at Elveden Forest in Suffolk, which is near the east of England, we left for Wales, a mere 235 miles to the west, where my niece Daphne, and her husband live. It was a car ride of well over 5 hours, passing through several busy cities, using the motorways and 'A' roads most of the time. Wales, on the western side of the UK is a bit cooler than the rest of the country, so it was necessary to be more warmly clad.

Daphne is a professional caterer, and her meals and her home were both very enjoyable. All day Saturday we toured the country-side, spending the entire day visiting 'Snowdonia'. We took several pictures, and had lunch at one of the little fish and chip shops. The scenery is very rugged and mountainous, and the language quite strange, as per the following example: Gwybodaeth = Information

After a pleasant weekend in Wales, we returned to Maureen's home in London at about 5.30 p.m. on September 1st 1996.

Our Four-Day Holiday at Elveden Forest (1996)

We arrived at Elveden about midday, and after signing in, we parked the car and waited at the reception centre until 3 p.m. which is really starting time, since the villas had to be made ready for us to occupy.

We relaxed at the seating just above the sub-tropical swimming pool, and helped ourselves to some light refreshments. We then unloaded our car and set up house in our delightful little villa No. 816, adjacent to a nice man-made lake which runs along all the homes there.

We met up with Cathy and family who had already arrived ahead of us, and we invited them to have supper with us, which we promptly cooked in the excellent cooking arrangements there. We entertained the Cameron family until it began to get dark, when they left and returned to their home in London. They were duly grateful for our invitation to be with us for at least the one day.

While waiting at Reception for our villa when we first arrived, we got to chatting with two fellows, who, like ourselves were also waiting for their places. It so happened we talked a little of golf, and being both golfers, they invited me to join them in a game on the next day. We promptly booked ourselves to play at 8.00 a.m. Unfortunately, it rained heavily that night, and we had to cancel. I was really disappointed.

On Tuesday 27th August, we walked over to the 'Sheldrake', one of the many restaurants there, and had a barbecue supper. There was every kind of meat and you just helped yourself to whatever you wished from the well set tables.

We had rented four bicycles, one each for Paul, Ron, Maureen and me, and it was fun having to use this type of transport at my age! I had not ridden a bike for well over 40 years, but after a few wobbles and skids, I finally got the hang of it, and continued using this mode of transport until we departed.

Even at night, we rode all over the place, visiting the Plaza which supplied every possible need from A-Z.

On the second evening, we dined at the 'Country Club and this was by far the best supper I had (Baked Trout).

On our final evening here, we used a Smorgasbord at the Plaza, where you had a choice of almost anything. We spent a long evening there, it being rainy, but that great big entertainment area of sport, and all possible needs one can have, and all under one cover of solid rigid plastic roofing, made you forget what was going on, on the outside.

On the very last evening of our stay of four days at Elveden Forest, Maureen and I really enjoyed the sub-tropical swim area. We first investigated the hot tubs, popularly called Jacuzzis, trying out both of them. Following about 10 to 15 minutes of this, we ventured into the swirling water-run of the main pool, which takes you on its own force all around the circle of this large pool. We did this a few times.

You do not have to swim as the foamy water just pushes you all around, and it is safe, since the depth of water is never more than 3-5 feet, not forgetting there are life-guards all over. Then over to the 'waterfall' area, where the water comes rushing down on you from quite a height. This was surely the finest swimming experience I've ever had in all my long life.

The following morning we packed up, returned the four rented bicycles and after a delightful stay of four days in this semi-tropical paradise, we got ready to leave for Wales. Before closing this chapter of one of my most enjoyable holidays, here is - An Overall Description of Center Parc's Elveden Forest Holiday Centre

The whole concept of the Center Parc (Centre Park) is to provide a relaxed holiday environment in a natural and healthy setting, with all the amenities of modern living in a partially converted forest area.  Great effort was made to ensure safety, and to this effect, motor vehicles were restricted to a special spot just outside the villas or homes, and yet not over far from the living quarters. As a result, bicycles were the popular method of getting around, and these could be rented, and definitely were rented as soon as one settled down in his villa.

This particular centre we were at is in Elveden Forest, and is just one of three such places, the others being Sherwood Forest and Longleat.

Elveden is 400 acres, and contains about 800 individual 'homes' called villas, and each is situated on the fringe of a man-made lake on which are swans, cygnets, geese, goslings, ducks and fish. Rabbits and squirrels were all around, and appeared to be quite tame.

The individual villas are in several sizes, capable of housing couples, threesomes, or four to six people. All are very well equipped with every convenience from colour TV sets to all kitchen, bedroom and bathroom requirements. The villas are all centrally heated and provided with sky-lights to enhance natural lighting.

An obvious effort was made to keep the forest as natural as possible, just sufficient thinning of the undergrowth was done to ensure safety and visibility. Tiled pathways were provided to each villa, and this made it very comfortable for access and ease especially when it rained. It is remarkable how easily and quickly I managed to ride a bicycle, something I had not done for about forty years. I should admit, however, that I did suffer a few scrapes and wobbles, mainly from a question of balance.

It was unbelievable how well arranged the shopping, sports and recreation areas were. To begin, that whole section was under a tough plastic cover, so it did not really matter what the weather was, it was always very accessible. This covered enclosure embraced a complete supermarket, several speciality shops, many restaurants, even including a smorgasbord. Interspersed around were man-made ponds, with live carp swimming, and tropical foliage around, with delicate bridges spanning the ponds, and leading to a subtropical swimming area, which was truly a wonderful arrangement.

The water was never cold, just medium, and the depth was never more than 3 to 5 feet, in addition to which there were several life-guards. There were many features in the swimming area, such as a waterfall effect, a swift white-water section, and a really shallow portion where even tiny kids could play in safety.

The most thrilling part is this sub-tropical swimming area was the cascading waterfall which created huge waves, and which was always pre-arranged with a Tarzan-like howl for kids enjoyment. The cost of this swimming-hold was a paltry twenty pence. Under this huge canopy of very rigid plastic, on the other side of the swimming area, there was the games section which included several ten-pin bowling alleys, tennis courts, badminton courts, table tennis facilities, as well as snooker (pools).

Needless to say, one can spend a complete day in this area if desired, but there were so many other outdoor sports such as golf, (9 holes), archery, and bike treks, etc. that a wide choice was possible.

With the hundreds of bicycles in use at the resort, there are several parking places for them, in areas close to the many places of interest one can visit. All cycles are provided with locks, and it is wonderful to see how kids as well as older folk (like me) get along on them. Speaking of the two men with whom I had arranged to play golf, (which was washed out by rain) one of them was on his third visit to this park, which just goes to show how attractive this place is. If I was living in England as I once did for seven years, I would certainly want to go on repeated visits to this delightful place.

Trip to England (1996)

Following my decision to spend a couple of months with Maureen in the UK, (July 12th to September 8th) I found it unwise to sign up for golf this season. The summer was a bit late, and the golfing season is quite short here in Canada. So I chose not to sign up at my club. In any case, I realize that at my age, one cannot play his best golf My golf buddies were quite disappointed, even though they are 15-20 years younger than I.

So on July 12th 1996, I flew over to London and Ron and Maureen met me at Heathrow airport the following morning. The flight was uneventful, and took all of seven and a half hours. This was now July 13th 1996.

As usual, I took about 2-3 days to adjust to the jet-lag. On Sunday 14th July, we went to collect some plants from a nearby Garden Centre and what we selected would certainly help to brighten up our garden. We followed this with a visit to Lensbury Club, where Maureen is a member, and enjoyed a barbecue lunch there on the extensive grounds. There was quite a lot of people present, as well as a steel band playing Caribbean tunes.

Since this was the last day of the famous Hampton Court flower show, we took off there to enjoy this rare display of floral culture. It took us just over two yours of steady walking around to see the exhibits and, even then, we didn't see it all. These gardens surround the Hampton Court Palace, the one time home of king Henry 8th, and this place, along with miles of superb hunting grounds stretching along the Thames River, is now preserved as a tourist attraction.

Expecting Gordon and Arna to join us from California, the first week was spent tidying up, and putting the front and back gardens in shape.

Both Ron and Maureen had pre-arranged to attend an Amway conference in Cardiff, Wales, the coming weekend, and it was planned that I should spend it at Sonny and Joyce Barrow's home in Lincoln until they returned. However, Joyce came down with a runny nose and it was decided that rather than risk becoming infected, I would take a "rain-check". Paul did come over to keep me company, while his parents were away, rather than staying at home alone. Paul is quite a "chef', and he prepared quite an excellent dinner for us both. Before he returned to his home in Milton Keynes, I took him to a nearby Indian restaurant where we had a typical Oriental meal which we both enjoyed.

Got in touch with my grand-daughter Cathy and her family. Her mother Joan, is now in England spending three weeks before she returns to St. Lucia via Barbados next month.

I keep helping with the gardens, mowing the grass, clipping the hedge and watering the plants. I plan to visit the City (downtown London) this week, taking Maureen with me. I really want to see what changed there are since my last visit to the UK. To be truly honest, I was quite disappointed with the trip. The weather was hot, and the subway system was poor with delays all the way. However, we had purchased one-day travel cards at £3.50 each ($7.00 Can.), which allowed us to use either bus or subway. At one point, when the underground train had stopped due to some delay on the line, we decided to surface and take a bus instead so as to get to Madam Tussauds Wax Museum, but we lost our way somewhere in Maida Vale.

While sitting on the upper deck of the bus, we met an Englishman who offered to direct us to our destination. He even escorted us there, chatting all the way and very friendly indeed. His name was Peter, and he said he worked for government security, and had been all over the world. Served in the Army, Navy and Airforce and was on his way to Rio de Janeiro next week. He may have been bragging, but I tested him by asking some pertinent questions like, 'Have you seen Brasilia?' To which he replied, 'Even though it is the capital, Rio is much more important and very interesting.' In reality, he was in the secret service and chatted quite sensibly, and was indeed a great help to up in finding our way around in that confusing area.

After examining the pros and cons of visiting Madam Tussaud's Wax Works and the Planetarium and taking the sight-seeing bus tour around London, we abandoned the whole idea. The queue lines were interminable and the weather was hot and the charges quite exorbitant. Also, Maureen was never one to enjoy baking in the sun of the open-top deck of the tour buses. So instead we purchased a couple of packages of nicely put up lunches and some cold drinks and did a ten minute walk to Regents Park. We found a shaded bench on the side of a large lake which runs through the park. Here we could see lots of holiday-makers in little canoes paddling along the lack with swans and ducks swimming about, and there were lots of pigeons which took care of the crumbs and scraps from our lunches. We finally took to the underground trains and wended our way home quite tired.

On Sunday 30th July, we visited Cathy and family who now five in Tottenham in north London. It was a car ride of about 45 minutes, using quite a bit of the North Circular Road. Her home is in a newly built-up area called Bream Close'. The homes are small but quite practical, and ideally suited for her family of four, two boys aged 5 and 3. We met Joan, her mother, who is now on holiday from St Lucia, and it was a pleasant get-together after a long absence. We had a nice supper there, and before leaving, invited the family to have supper with us the following Thursday. Joan will be leaving for her home in Barbados in a few days.

It is quite remarkable how prices have soared in England since my last visit here. As an example a small ice-cream cone costs $2.72 (Canadian).

On Saturday 3rd September I decided to ride into the City and compare how London looked today, with how I remembered it a few years ago. I took Maureen along to act as a guide and helper, as she knows the busy areas better than I, having worked in many places in this huge metropolis.

So we purchased travel cards as usual, which as I said are good for one day and you have a choice of either underground rail or bus. We changed trains and buses several times just showing our tickets and did our best to get our money's worth.

On one of the subway trains we met and chatted with a nice little lady who promised to give Maureen some information about ballroom dances near to where we live. We spent a lot of time looking through shops in Oxford Street. 'Debenhams' was particularly interesting, and we did have lunch there.

We found a souvenir shop in Oxford Street called 'Churchill Gifts', and hope to go back there some time to select souvenirs for family and friends back in Canada. We also visited Westminster Abbey, which as usual, was crowded.

We got home late in the afternoon and had Fish and Chips for supper - just delightful- as only the English could make it.

On Tuesday, August 6th Daphne, my niece, and her husband John Wright visited us, and I entertained them to an Indian "Tandoori" supper at a nearby restaurant. On the following day, Wednesday 7th August, Maureen and I attended what is described as a "Tea Dance" at the Brent Town Hall in Wembley - a truly grand little affair. We made friends with a group and certainly enjoyed the afternoon. The dance music was recorded but delightful. Both "Ballroom" and "Latin" music was played, and the dance floor was not only large, but very smooth. The weather was just perfect, and the dress very casual and comfortable. We danced from 12.30 to 3.30 p.m. What fun we had trying the 'Latins' and 'Cha-Cha-Chas’!  Just confirmed that I’ll be going to Joyce and Sonny Barrow in Lincoln on Saturday 10th August until Tuesday 13th. The train ride to Lincoln takes three hours.

Leaving King’s Cross railway station at 9.a.m. I was met by my life-long friend, Sonny,-whose real first name is Eugene- and taken to his home in a hired chauffeur-driven car to St. David’s Close, where, many years ago he purchased a delightful bungalow-type home. It is in a very select area, each of the surrounding houses has ample garden space both back and front, and they are all very well and beautifully kept. I enjoyed a room all to myself, overlooking the garden in the back. It was delightfully comfortable, a real home away from home. On the following day I was driven to a pub nearby, where we had a fine dinner.

What long chats Sonny and I had! Our friendship went back to when we were teenagers, and we certainly enjoyed recounting and almost reliving all those glorious days between the ages of 14 and 19 years, when we were young rebels. I was certainly brought up-to-date on things relating to Guyana, and who better to discuss this than with one who was Minister of Housing in the land where we were both born and lived for so many wonderful years.

Unfortunately, Sonny has a spinal problem, and is unable to stand erect in an upright position. Apart from that, however, he is very sound in mind and limb, and rides a bicycle with ease.

He takes a keen interest in Guyanese affairs, and is also very busy compiling a family tree, which absorbs a lot of his time. He and I have a number of similar views covering things like, the ageing body, religion, euthanasia, creation and evolution, the presence of life in outer space, etc. etc. It was certainly one of the nicest weekends I have ever spent, and was sorry he lives so far away.

Promptly, at midday on Tuesday 13th August 1996 he engaged a car and saw me down to the rail station on my way back to London and Maureen’s home. Leaving Lincoln, I had to change trains at a half-way point back to London. I was unaware there were two trains going in the same direction and both to ‘Kings Cross. I took the first one that came, and that one, an express, got into ‘Kings Cross’ one hour before the expected time. I was hoping to contact Maureen to tell her of this as soon as I reached Kings Cross, but unfortunately, there was a security alarm at Kings Cross station when I got there, and the authorities had shut down the entire subway station there, as they suspected a strange package left unattended had contained a bomb. However, no bomb was discovered, but there was so much confusion as a result, that I failed to get in touch with Maureen, who was also affected by the emergency.

As a result, I bought myself a ticket for the underground tube system, and wended my way home, arriving there about hour later. Maureen, who had already left home to meet me at Kings Cross, telephoned home and was assured I had arrived there without further mishap.  On the following afternoon after resting up a bit, Maureen and I took off for the ‘Tea Dance’ at the Brent Town Hall in Wembley. She and I danced quite a lot, doing some of those unusual bits like the Rumba, Samba, and Tango as well as the regular Fox-trots, Waltzes etc. What a glorious dance hall this place is!

On Friday, August 16th I walked from our home to “Barham Park”, which is just a ten minute stroll, and really enjoyed the scenery there. It is quite a large park and the flower display is really delightful. I just could not resist taking a few shots of the flowering banks, and the general surroundings. I also visited the library, which is really a part of the park. It was a truly gratifying walk, and I spent a good two hours absorbing it all and enjoying it as well.

Today, Saturday, August 17th we are having a Cantonese supper. It is amazing what a variety of food I have eaten while in England. Tomorrow, we will have British Fish and Chips, while on the next day it will be an Indian supper, followed by a Chinese meal later in the week – and so on ….

On Sunday 18th August I made several telephone calls. First, I called the Barrows, thanking them for their hospitality. We chatted quite a bit, as old friends will do after a long absence. Then I called Cathy, my grand-daughter in Tottenham and was also able to speak to her brother Kai, who had just returned from the U.S.A. where he attended a convention.  We also confirmed that Cathy and family would be joining us next Monday at ‘Elveden Forest in Suffolk for just one day. Following that, I got in touch with Marsha in Canada. She was having breakfast and was preparing to go to church, where she had to sing at the morning service. She and Aubrey had just returned from carrying out some of the duties of ‘Hardinge Enterprises’. They are certainly developing quite a business of their own. Finally, I telephoned Gordon in California and was lucky to be answered by him personally, since it was his week off from his workplace in Susanville.

This morning Monday 19th August, I am writing this in a barber’s shop, quite close to Maureen’s home. Incidentally, the barber remembered me, having cut my hair almost five years ago, when I was in England on a visit.

With the impending approach of my return trip to Canada, I have decided to spend today, Thursday 22nd August roaming through Oxford Street in search of souvenirs to take back home. As Maureen is off work today, she is coming to help me in my search and choice. We did pick up quite a few things from ‘Churchill’s Gift Shop’, but are these little things pricey!! But we do manage.  Using our one-day travel cards, we push on to Cathy, who lives in Tottenham. She and her family have quite a neat little home, and her two lovely sons are growing fast. The older is five years, and his brother is three. As to be expected, we arrived home rather tired after a long day. Maureen and I are now in the throes of preparing for our next week, the real high point of my visit to the UK.

So on Monday 26th August, we set off for the holiday villa in Elveden Forest where we will spend the next four days, along with Paul, Maureen’s son. We will have Cathy and family for a short while, then away we go driving into Wales to spend another few days with Daphne and her husband whose home is there. The plan is to pick up Paul at Milton Keynes where he lives and works, and go on to Elveden Forest – one of the Center Parc Holiday locations. Cathy’s group will meet us there. After the four day sojourn at Elveden, the four of us, Paul, Ron, Maureen and I will drive to Wales, a good five to six hour car-ride.

My 90th Birthday (1996)

Having decided to accept an invitation to visit with Maureen and family in England, I booked a flight to London for July 12th 1996, and would spend two months with her.

Gordon and Arna will also be there at about the same time, so it will be a sort of mini family reunion, since there are now twelve members of my family now living in the UK. Before I go, however, my 90th birthday is here, 8th June 1996, and Marsha and Aubrey, with whom I have been living for the last twelve years after Emma died, decided to have a celebration for me.

After thinking the matter over, it was arranged to have a "Come to Tea" for two hours at Lawson Lodge, which is managed by our friends, the Carrs. It was formally published in the local newspapers and forty of my friends attended. Marsha, with help from Agnes and Mary Carr, made sandwiches, tea and coffee, etc. and had a truly exotic cake prepared by Safeway. The top of the huge iced cake depicted a golf course, complete with a sand-trap, a water hazard, and a golfer swinging at a ball, all in colour and really well done.

Marsha gave a short account of my family life, and read many complimentary letters and telephoned messages from the absent members of my family, for, scattered as they are all over the world, this was no doubt the best way they could do it. They were all happy to know that at long last, there was now a nonagenarian in the family.

Return to Britain | Visits to Family (1993)

It was truly amazing how, at my 87 years of age, I was able to cope with such a strenuous schedule but two days later I came down with a sore throat and runny nose, which was inevitable after mixing with 43 other people in fairly close contact for all of six days. So I went to Maureen's doctor, whom I had met some years ago and he prescribed for me. Incidentally, the visit was free, and being a senior, the medication (28 Erythromycin tablets) was also free at the chemist's shop. How can you beat that for socialized medical care?

Today, the 16th July 1993. Ron and Maureen are leaving for Birmingham to attend a grand three-day Amway function called "Family Reunion" to be held there. They are returning on Sunday evening.

It was arranged that I would spend the week-end at Lincoln with my lifelong friends, Sonny and Joyce Barrow, who live there. Unfortunately, Joyce developed a serious bronchial condition, and the visit had to be scrapped.

However, Paul will come down from Leicester and keep me company. He is doing a computer course at the college there which is a good two to three hours away from London. I visited Cathy a few days ago, and will spend a few days with Kai and his family on Monday 19th July.

Accordingly, I caught the British Rail at King's Cross station around 11.00 a.m. and journeyed to Cambridge where he, his wife Kavitha and my great-grandson Kamal live. They have secured a delightful flat, and I was pleasantly surprised at its layout and situation - £400 a month -. Kai is not only now a proud parent, but also a Ph.D. (physics), Kavitha is an Arts graduate, and the little Kamal is a healthy little fellow. I over-nighted there, and Kai took me touring Cambridge, and showed me all principal places. I took a picture of "Kings College" before returning to Eastcote Avenue by the following day's train. Before departing, however, I treated this young family to an oriental meal at one of the good restaurants in Cambridge.

On Thursday evening of 22nd July, Daphne my niece, now married to John Wright, came over and took me to dinner at a Chinese restaurant. As you know, Daphne is the daughter of Aria, Emma's sister (now deceased).

During my stay in Britain and the continent I must have sampled five or six different ethnic dishes but I must say I enjoyed them all.

Maureen and I had English, Indian and Chinese type foods. At Cambridge I was introduced to Malay type meals, and during the six day visit to the continent, I ate French and Dutch type food as well. Most of it was light, vegetable, and quite well prepared. They were all practical and very sensible. We certainly made the most of this experience.

Tomorrow, Saturday 24th July, I will go to Wembley Central and try to select a few gifts as souvenirs to take back to Canada. I have already re-confirmed my reservation for departure on Sunday 25th July and was even given a seat number 17F on Air Canada.

We Revisit England

It was decided that our vacation in England would be of a one-month duration, so we chose the month of July - August, since it would also embrace the holiday period when schools would be in recess, and the children would be available, thus adding to the enjoyment of their grandparents. I had been saving my vacation leave from previous years, and so it was easy to arrange for a month's absence from work without any problems.

It was July, and Emma and I flew out of Ontario airport via Los Angeles on a direct flight to London's Heathrow Airport. Our Jumbo Jet was a 747, with nearly 400 passengers on board, and there were all the facilities on the plane that one could expect. Two different movies were shown, and for a small fee, you were provided with stereo music with your individual earphones. The meals were good and we arrived in London in the early morning hours to see Ron, Maureen and Paul waiting for us.

After an absence of many years, England seemed much the same as when we were last there. We spent the first part of our holiday with Maureen and her family at their home in Eastcote Avenue, Greenford, which is just about one and a half miles from where we had previously lived in North Wembley. It was nice to see the mother country once again, but after living in the U.S.A. for so long, it was impossible not to notice the great difference in life styles between the two countries.

We got in touch with Michael and his family who lived in Canterbury way across on the other side of England towards the Straits of Dover - North Sea side - and we arranged to spend some time with them. As a matter of fact, Michael had decided to spend his summer holidays in the beautiful resort of St. Ives, on the Cornish peninsular, and he asked us to join them there for one week.

We visited many friends we had made when we lived in England, and we were also able to renew a lot of old acquaintances. Emma even visited her former club in Greenford while I looked up many of my old colleagues both at Walker the Chemist, and at the Euston telephone exchange.

Our trip to St. Ives was the longest I had ever taken in a small car. It was Michael's Mini Austin, and we travelled over what was easily the widest part of Britain, east to west. The journey took about twelve hours, and considering that the little car was very heavily laden, it stood the trip extremely well. We passed through lush English countryside, and towards evening were skirting along the Bodmin Moors. St. Ives was not reached until well after dark, but Michael, who drove all the way, did not have too much difficulty in finding the house he had rented for the weeks vacation.

The Cornish peninsula is a fascinating part of Britain, and its coastline and beaches are a source of great attraction in the summer months. Our house was built on high ground, and it overlooked the bay and frothy blue water below.

By reason of the Geographical nature of the country, the streets in Cornwall are narrow and winding, but cute. Formerly a tin mining centre, it is noted for its fine clay and pottery, and its fishing, and the colour-washed stone houses seemed solidly built. Cornwall gave me the impression of being a favourite place for second homes, and for people in retirement, no doubt due to the mild climate of the area.

Each day we would make excursions by car to the several beaches that abound here, and on one of these we saw what looked like an outdoor theatre built into the cliffside and looking down on the beach.

On another occasion, we took a coach tour to St. Michael's Mount, a lofty island of granite rising some four hundred yards off the shore of Mounts Bay on the English Channel and quite close to land's End.

At low tide a natural causeway links the island to the mainland, but when the tide is in, access to St. Michael's Mount is gained by small boats which ferry you across.

A twelfth century monastery sits atop the island, part of which is now used as a tourist attraction. Ownership is now in the hands of Lord St. Levan, having passed through his family over the last three hundred years. At the moment, however, most of the upkeep of the property is provided by a national trust.

At St. Ives the nights were cool, and days warm and pleasant, and we really enjoyed a delightful week of English summer there. At the end of our stay in this Cornish setting, Emma and I left for London and Maureen's home using British Railways, thus making it easier for Michael and his family to return to Canterbury. Maureen and Ron met us when we arrived at the station near their home, and the ensuing week we spent with them was very enjoyable. Paul had grown into quite a big boy, and he was thrilled when, on two separate occasions, I took him out to see London the way I always liked to view this great metropolis.

We joined the Underground train near the house, and went as far as Westminster Bridge which is on the River Thames. Getting onto the Thames embankment, we walked along it for well over a mile, enjoying the river scene, with pleasure boats going in both directions filled with holiday makers. Once the main source of traffic through London in early English history, this river still has a fascination and great charm for all. Some of the finest photographs of the city could be taken from many of the bridges which cross it, and on a clear sunny day it is a truly remarkable sight.

Paul and I walked the glorious stretch along the river from Westminster bridge to the Victoria Embankment Gardens. We took pictures there, then we strolled across to Trafalgar Square where he fed the pigeons. By then we were somewhat hungry, so into one of the Lyon's restaurants nearby we went and had a meal. Fully refreshed, we walked back to the river and visited Cleopatra's Needle and the Sphinxes, taking more pictures with Waterloo Bridge in the background. We then climbed up Hungerford Bridge, which has a pedestrian footpath going right across the Thames to the Waterloo side. In the centre of the bridge we stopped to take pictures from that vantage point, obtaining splendid results depicting river scenes with St. Paul's Cathedral and the Savoy Hotel as background, with Paul, very often in the foreground of it all.

On our second visit to London, Paul & I (also with Vi, his paternal grandmother) took a somewhat different route. In deference to his grandmother we chose a less strenuous tour.

We took the train to Kensington High Street and visited the world famous Derry & Toms Roof Gardens.  What a beautiful sight and what great pictures it provided. We pushed on to the Albert Memorial and took a series of pictures, afterwards visiting the Museum close by, and the Albert Hall.

Before we left for California we had to spend some more time with Michael in Canterbury. It was therefore arranged for us to go to his place and take in as much of the local scenery as we could. So back to Canterbury we went. Michael's home was in a little cluster of houses called "Somner Close". It was within walking distance of Canterbury Cathedral, and we were able to make a grand tour of this historic building.

Erected as a walled community by the Romans in 200 A.D., Canterbury is the primary See of England, and is outstanding as a religious and cultural centre. About one half of the circuit of the city walls still stands, but of the original six gates, only one, the West gate remains. Much of the architecture of the cathedral is Gothic in design, and it contains the tomb of Edward the Black Prince. Archbishop Thomas Beckett was murdered in this cathedral, and his shrine there attracts many visitors. It was my privilege to stand on the sacred spot and have my photograph taken, which is now among my prized colour slide collection.

While in this area, we visited Dover Castle, a solid Norman structure built by William the conqueror. From the top of this ruggedly built stone fortress we had a clear view of the Straits of Dover and the surrounding countryside.

Unlike so much of urban England, the rural atmosphere of this important centre of the United Kingdom made us appreciate how peaceful life could be, and how much enjoyment could be had in surroundings that were just right.

My brother Frankie, who lived in Earl's Court, and whom I had not seen for many years, had been resident in London for a very long time and I decided to spend a day with him and enjoy his company. I made no mention of him or my sister Edna since we parted as small children, but, in a nutshell Edna got married to Bolton Applewaithe, and Frankie, still unmarried, left Guiana and took employment in Aruba for a long time, finally settling in England even before I arrived there in 1960. He was now an established officer at Somerset House, and was very securely fixed. He chose a bachelor type of existence, and had his 'digs' in Longridge Road. We spent the day going through Holland Park and doing the various joints in Earl's Court Road. Frankie was a complete extrovert, and very likeable. We certainly enjoyed each other's company that day.

Our one month revisit to England was a complete success, and we enjoyed every moment of it.

The U.S.A. as our new home (1967)

We used a TWA north polar flight which went via O'Hare Airport in Chicago. This was the only stop our plane would make before its final leg into Los Angeles.

On take-off, we winged our way past Ireland, then across the open north Atlantic, coming in sight of Greenland before approaching the eastern Canadian sea-board. After touching down at O'Hare Airport we were inspected by Immigration and Customs, and following a little wait we emplaned for the final flight across the width of the U.S.A. and down the western coast to Los Angeles.

It was dusk as our plane crossed this exotic city, with its twinkling signs and millions of lights, its freeways with intersections formed in perfect clover-leaf patterns, its mountains, its desert and its seascape.

From the air it was a panorama of sheer beauty and brilliance. Gordon and Arna were at the airport waiting for us, and he drove us home to his new house in Cottage Street, Loma Linda. It was quite a modern house, four bedrooms, two baths, family room, front reception room, modern kitchen, double sink with garbage disposal, dishwasher, heat and air-conditioning, detached garage of the two car type, and large front and back lawns with a fair attempt at landscaping. The house had a rock roof, that is to say, over the close boarding, there was some sort of asphalt treatment, on which was stuck small pieces of white rock over the entire surface. It looked quite pretty. The district, entirely residential, was a new one, and there was ample evidence of lots of other houses in process of construction all around.

Before we arrived in California, Gordon had been making enquiries in respect of finding me suitable occupation. A new medical complex was being constructed nearby in Loma Linda. - Loma Linda University Medical Centre and I was promised a job there when it was completed some time in July. It meant being idle for three months.

In the meantime, therefore, I kept busy doing as much around the house as I could, such as gardening, helping to erect a chain-link fence around the house, enclosing the garage and back lawn. When this was finished, I took a little job of operating a dish washing machine at the Heritage Gardens Convalescent Home, on Barton road.

Just before we had left England for California, Gordon had been offered and had accepted, the position of medical director of Clinica Stahl, an Adventist cottage hospital in Peru, which meant that Emma and I would be all alone in his four-bedroomed house for the three years he would be overseas. He did not actually take up the appointment until mid July, so we did enjoy his company and that of his wife, Arna and the two children, Lucia and Gordie for a couple of months after our arrival.

During the month of June, I took the entire family to Disneyland. To truly describe this place would require a large volume just for that purpose, so I will simply give a sketchy idea, and highlight some of the features which attracted me most.

Disneyland is an extensive amusement area in Anaheim. The whole arrangement is superbly elaborate, and is divided into four sections, each one a little community in itself. These sections are: Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland and Tomorrowland. It boasts its own hotel and restaurants, and attracts several million visitors each year. At its entrance is built a full scale replica of "Main Street, U.S.A." modelled after an American town of the 1950's.

The whole elaborate and fantastic outfit was conceived by the late genius and film producer, Walt Disney, and was opened to the public in 1955.

My favourite feature, perhaps because of my background was "Pirates of the Caribbean", in which you are taken by boats to an area on which you sail a darkened sea, and where life as lived by pirates is depicted. You pass by a battle being raged between these buccaneers and the ships they pillaged, with vivid displays of gunfire, burning ships, roistering groups of sailors and the women they stole. The entire scene is so realistic that you image it was actually taking place and not just a show. As you travel along in the boats the spray from the artificial waves sprinkle on you.

Another splendid show was the submarine ride. These are really miniature subs which travel along below the water on guided rails, passing many underwater sights such as strategically placed trunks of sparkling treasure, and the hulls of sunken ships. There are mermaids - live girls dressed as such - that dot the route taken by the submarine, and everyone is able to see through the glass portholes in the sides of the vessel as it goes on a carefully charted course, passing under very realistic waterfalls as it surfaces.

Then there is the simulated rocket trip into space, all very elaborately and realistically done. It takes many visits to see all of Disneyland. I have personally been there four times, of at least half a day each time, and I have by no means seen all of it.

There is an electrified railway called the Monorail which takes you on an elevated ride over the whole area above the amusement park. The Matterhorn peak is here duplicated in rock, and little cars on rails run through it, finishing up as a water splash at the foot of the mountain. Cable cars also run through one way, coming out the other side.

Real mountain climbers ascend all the way to the top dressed in colourful Alpine costume, giving the show an air of authenticity.  And that ride on a miniature but real steam locomotive through primeval forests (all artificially created), viewing animated facsimiles of pre-historic animals in their native habitat.

Disneyland attracts visitors from all parts of the world, and I do believe it must be one of the most elaborate forms of entertainment to be found anywhere.

Gordon left for Peru around the middle of July 1967 and we were so lonely that we began thinking of a way to overcome our solitude. We finally decided it would be a good idea to get Ron, Maureen and Paul over from England to spend some time with us during the early summer of 1968.

It further seemed like a splendid plan to try and encourage Aubrey, Marsha and Ritchie from Guyana to join the party, and have a real housewarming in California. The Cottage Street home with four bedrooms was certainly large enough to accommodate everybody.  By-carefully co-ordinating vacations, departures and arrival times, it was finally decided that Ron, Maureen and Paul, Marsha and Ritchie (Aubrey could not make it) would arrive simultaneously at the Los Angeles airport, where we would meet them and bring them home.

Eventually however, the English branch of the family arrived one day in advance of the others, so it involved making two trips to the airport. Milly Nilsen, one of our good friends was most helpful in taking us there on both occasions, since I was still not too conversant with freeway travel, especially in the very busy areas we would have to go through.

When Marsha and Ritchie arrived on the day after Maureen, we had to wait at the airport until two o'clock in the morning, because of a delay in the plan's schedule. We were indeed grateful to Milly for her patience and help especially since it meant that she had to encroach on her Sabbath day of worship, (she is a Seventh-Day Adventist.)

We enjoyed the re-union with our two daughters and their families, and the two girls, who had not seen each other for over 2 years were very happy to be together again. Their two sons had grown quite a bit, and we settled down to spending as happy a time as their short holiday with us would allow. They arrived in May 1968, Maureen and her family would be with us for a month, but Marsha and her little son could not stay more than seventeen days.

As a result, we planned a tight but fun-packed schedule for their stay with us, and it included two trips to Disneyland, (one was an evening show to see the fireworks display) and a whole day at San Diego's Sea World on the Pacific coast, where the U.S.A. borders on Mexico.

Sea World displays a variety of sea life, and among its shows was a delightful underwater ballet done by young women and dolphins, and viewed by the public through the glass sides of a huge tank in a darkened room, with only the tank being illuminated.

This was an all day show, in a most colourful and picturesque setting, and it featured a whale show, several dolphin shows, a Japanese pearl diving exhibition, and many remarkable aspects of sea life, in which carefully trained animals performed to the delight of the crowds of spectators who daily visited this unique and enterprising form of entertainment.

We took them to Lake Arrowhead, a resort high up in the San Bernardino mountains, and the highlight of that days outing was a thrilling speedboat, ride over the vast expanse of the lake with the motor roaring, and the water spurning a billowy foam in our wake.

On several occasions we went motoring in the mountains, and one memorable day was spent in Riverside park, a large park with a great big lake, fringed with giant shady trees. Here we rented a motor boat, and spent some time cruising on the water.

We certainly enjoyed this visit of our children, grandsons, and son-in-law and the time came all too quickly for them to return to their separate homes. Marsha and Ritchie were the first to leave, and with Ron driving our Chevelle, we took them to the airport and tearfully saw them off. A couple of weeks later, it then became my turn to take Ron, Maureen and Paul to Los Angeles, and we were really sorry to see them go. The children were certainly happy to be able to enjoy a holiday with us, and we in turn, were delighted to be with them even for a short time.

I used my second vacation since employed at Loma Linda University, for a trip to Santa Rosa where a friend of ours, Jackie Peters, lived. This was the summer of 1969 and Emma and I left by car, travelling first to Santa Barbara where we spent the night. From there we went on to San Simeon, and took in a tour of Hearst Castle. Hearst was a newspaper millionaire and his fabulous castle, now donated to the state, is a classic example of the collectors art.

Continuing our ride towards Santa Rosa, which is in northern California, we stopped at the Monterey peninsula, and did the seventeen mile scenic drive along Pebble Beach, which is a famous golf resort of Bing Crosby and Bob Hope. The route along Pacific freeway No.101 was very spectacular, and the area in the vicinity of Big Sur was truly awe-inspiring. We afterwards crossed the Golden Gate bridge and later in the afternoon reached Santa Rosa, where Jackie lived in a large mobile home.

We spent nearly one week there, and visited the petrified forest which was close by. On two separate occasions we drove down to San Francisco where we rode the cable cars, visited Chinatown and took a Bay cruise lasting about two hours. This cruise started from Fisherman's Wharf and took us under the Golden Gate bridge, passing Alcatraz, a former convict island, and continuing to the Oakland-San Francisco bridge and back.

On the other occasion, we drove into Redwood City, much lower down the Bay area, and here we spent the day at Marine World, a modest replica of Marineland, which I have previously described, and which we had visited in 1959 during our first visit to the U.S.A. This was a very pleasant vacation and we both had fun. Our return home was by a different route, spending one night in a motel in Earlimart.